Death strikes Dubbo flight

An investigation is under way into the death of a woman during a commercial flight from Sydney to Dubbo.

A passenger on board the flight has told the Daily Liberal that while the woman's death was extremely distressing, the crew and passengers who came to her assistance "did an amazing job in a difficult situation".

The incident took place on board QF Flight 2048 that was scheduled to arrive in Dubbo at 8.05pm on the night of Wednesday November 7 after leaving Sydney at 7pm.

A passenger who did not wish to be named told the Daily Liberal two women travelling together sought assistance from the flight crew when one reported feeling unwell and appeared to be having difficulty breathing after the aircraft had completed its take-off.

Passengers at the front of the plane reportedly had no idea of the events unfolding behind them until one of the flight crew broadcast an announcement asking if there were any medical personnel on board who could help.

Several passengers came to the woman's assistance, including at least one person who identified themselves as a doctor and another as a western region paramedic.

A Qantas spokesperson confirmed a decision was made for the flight to return to Sydney as a result of an "onboard medical incident".

Meanwhile the passenger said the woman died despite the determined efforts of those who came to her aid and performed CPR.

Once the aircraft had landed in Sydney the passengers were interviewed by police and a Salvation Army chaplain was sent to lend support to passengers who had witnessed the incident.

However, the passengers on the flight were not able to return to Dubbo that same evening.

"As crew had reached the number of hours they're allowed to operate the flight was postponed until the following morning," a Qantas spokesperson said.

"QantasLink provided all customers with hotel accommodation overnight. The flight redeparted at 7.25am the following morning."

The woman's death is the subject of a report that is being prepared for the Coroner.

angela.clutterbuck@ruralpress.com

A woman has died despite the efforts of staff and medical practitioners aboard a Qantas flight to Dubbo.